APM urges Budget 2027 to prioritise new disaster-response assets, volunteer allowances and personnel welfare to strengthen preparedness
SHAH ALAM: The Malaysian Civil Defence Force (APM) hopes that Budget 2027 will focus on the procurement of new assets and the welfare of officers and rank-and-file under the agency.
APM Deputy Chief Commissioner (Operations) Ghazali Abd Rahman said this would ensure it remains prepared to face challenges in delivering services to the people, especially during disasters.
He said priority assets include four-wheel drive vehicles and lorries, which are crucial for disaster operations such as floods, as well as other advanced assets.
“In terms of our strength, it mostly involves volunteer personnel, and I feel that even the media had recently highlighted the issue regarding increasing the allowances for officers and personnel of the People’s Volunteer Corps (RELA).
“So, I feel that perhaps this matter could be extended to volunteer officers and personnel of not only APM but from other agencies as well,” he said.
He said this after officiating the 2026 Setia Gathering and Selangor APM Civil Defence Anniversary (HUTPA) celebration here today.
Ghazali, who also presented the establishment certificates for the Selangor APM Civil Defence Auxiliary (CDA), said in his speech that this marked a significant step in expanding the civil defence’s preparedness and capabilities in the state.
He said that in tackling increasingly complex disaster threats, the agency could not rely only on the strength of its permanent and volunteer personnel, but needed the involvement of the public and organisations, whether from the private or government sectors.
“The CDA can be part of the support network that can help strengthen response capabilities at the community and organisational levels.
“I hope the establishment of CDA will not stop at the certificate presentation only, but it needs to continue with ongoing meetings, training and involvement in preparedness activities,” he added.
